The demise of the Melbourne Rebels and the reduction of Australian Super Rugby Pacific teams to four has seen a considerable shakeup in the player stocks for the surviving clubs.
In this evolving article The Roar will track player signing and departure news as it happens before the Super Rugby squads are confirmed in early 2025.
(Note the 2024 squads listed below were those with which the clubs began last season, not the squads they had at the finish. New squads will be announced early in 2025)
There has been significant movement among the Australian franchises with the carve up of the Rebels list ongoing. The Waratahs, who have a new incoming coach in Dan McKellar, have signed several big names including Wallabies Taniela Tupou and Andrew Kellaway.
On September 9 they announced a week of signing news – starting with the naming of six newcomers (see the Tahs section below).
The Reds have also beefed up with the arrival of Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and winger Filipo Daugunu.
There has been plenty of change at the Western Force as well with Darcy Swain crossing over from the Brumbies and Brandon Paenga-Amosa returning from France.
So far, the Brumbies are keeping their powder relatively dry, although they have signed two ex-Rebels.
There has also been significant movement overseas so far, with the likes of Wallabies Izack Rodda, Izzy Perese, Ned Hanigan and Lachie Swinton packing their bags for new adventures.
ACT Brumbies
The Brumbies have picked up two former Rebels in David Feliuai and Tuaina Taii Tualima but will look to bank on a stable squad. The biggest losses are forwards Darcy Swain to the Force and Jahrome Brown, who is expected to move home to the Chiefs.
Ins: Liam Bowron (promoted), David Feliuai (Rebels), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Rebels)
Outs: Darcy Swain (Force), Fred Kaihea, Connal McInerney, Ed Kennedy, Jahrome Brown, Tamati Tua (Exeter)
(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
2024 squad:
Props: Allan Alaalatoa, James Slipper, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Harry Vella
Hookers: Lachlan Lonergan, Connal McInerney, Billy Pollard
Locks: Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain, Lachlan Shaw
Loose forwards: Rob Valetini, Charlie Cale, Jahrome Brown, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Luke Reimer, Ed Kennedy
Halfbacks: Ryan Lonergan, Harrison Goddard, Klayton Thorn
Fly-halves: Noah Lolesio, Jack Debreczeni, Declan Meredith
Midfielders: Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Hudson Creighton, Austin Anderson
Outside backs: Tom Wright, Corey Toole, Ben O’Donnell, Andy Muirhead
NSW Waratahs
There has been a huge upheaval at Daceyville. Early attention will be on code-hopper Joseph Suaalii in his transition from the Roosters while the addition of Andrew Kellaway and Darby Lancaster from the Rebels should help ease the pain of losing Mark Nawaqanitawase to rugby league.
They added three more ex-Rebels to the list along with three more players in a single day.
Prop Siosifa Amone and outside back Henry O’Donnell return home to NSW following stints with the Western Force, and are joined by former Melbourne Rebels lock Angelo Smith, hooker Ethan Dobbins and backrower Leafi Talataina.
Amone (13 games), O’Donnell (5 games), Smith (20 games) and Dobbins (6 games) all arrive with Super Rugby Pacific experience under their belts, while O’Donnell and Talataina represented the Junior Wallabies last year.
Meanwhile Australian-born lock Ben Grant is back on home soil after spending the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season with the Hurricanes, preceded by two years with the San Diego Legion.
Joseph Suaalii is tackled. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Ins: Dan McKellar (coach, Leicester), Isaac Kailea (Rebels), Taniela Tupou (Rebels), Rob Leota (Rebels), Darby Lancaster (Rebels), Andrew Kellaway (Rebels), Joseph Suaalii (NRL), Ben Grant (Hurricanes), Angelo Smith (Rebels), Siosifa Amone (Force), Henry O’Donnell (Force), Ethan Dobbins (Rebels), Leafi Talataina (Rebels).
Outs: Darren Coleman (coach), Harry Johnson-Holmes (Force), Jed Holloway (MLR), Ned Hanigan (Provence), Will Harrison (Kintetsu), Mosese Tuipulotu (Edinburgh), Harry Wilson (Dragons RFC), Lachie Swinton (Bordeaux), Izaia Perese (Leicester), Mark Nawaqanitawase (NRL), Tom Ross (Nice), Archer Holz (Scarlets), Theo Fourie, Vuate Kurawalevu
2024 squad:
Props: Angus Bell, Archer Holz, Daniel Botha, Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Tom Lambert, Tom Ross.
Hookers: Dave Porecki, Mahe Vailanu, Theo Fourie.
Locks: Miles Amatosero, Hugh Sinclair, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan.
Loose forwards: Charlie Gamble, Fergus Lee-Warner, Lachie Swinton, Langi Gleeson, Ned Slack-Smith.
Halfbacks: Jake Gordon, Jack Grant, Teddy Wilson.
Fly-halves: Tane Edmed, Jack Bowen, Will Harrison.
Midfielders: Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Mosese Tuipulotu, Joey Walton.
Outside backs: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Wilson, Max Jorgensen, Vuate Karawalevu.
Queensland Reds
The Reds have given their side an injection of class while being able to keep happy their existing stars. They are shaping to give the competition a decent tilt under Les Kiss. One to watch is Jordan Petaia, who is yet to commit his future for next season.
Ins: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Rebels), Filipo Daugunu (Rebels), Josh Canham (Rebels), Matt Gibbon (Rebels), Lachie Anderson (Rebels)
Outs: Peni Ravai (Drua), Cormac Daly (Yokohama Canon Eagles), Connor Anderson (Chugoku Red Regulions)
2024 squad:
Props: Alex Hodgman, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Peni Ravai, Zane Nonggorr, George Blake, Massimo de Litiis, Sef Fa’agase
Hookers: Matt Faessler, Josh Nasser, Richie Asiata, Max Craig
Locks: Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, Cormac Daly, Taine Roiri, Connor Vest
Loose forwards: Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Harry Wilson, Seru Uru, Joe Brial, John Bryant
Halfbacks: Tate McDermott, Kalani Thomas, Louis Werchon
Fly-halves: Tom Lynagh, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Lawson Creighton
Midfielders: James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami, Taj Annan, Josh Flook, Isaac Henry, Frankie Goldsbrough
Outside backs: Jock Campbell, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Floyd Aubrey, Mac Grealy, Tim Ryan
Western Force
The Force recruitment department has been flat out with a significant changing of the guard. There will be a lot of interest in the performance of Nic Dolly, who won a cap for England but is a possible future Wallaby, having come from down under.
Nic Dolly (Photo by Dan Mullan – RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)
Ins: Harry Johnson-Holmes (Waratahs), Josh Thompson (West Harbour), Vaiolini Ekuasi (Rebels), Divad Palu (Rebels), Nick Champion de Crespigny (Castres), Nic Dolly (Leicester), Darcy Swain (Brumbies), Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Montpellier), Tom Robertson (Oxford),
Outs: Santiago Medrano (Vannes), Izack Rodda (Provence), Tim Anstee, Chase Tiatia, Ryan Coxon (Tasman Makos), Ben Funnell, Taqele Naiyaravoro (Narbonne), Ian Prior, Michael Wells (retired), Sam Spink (Saracens), Feleti Kaitu’u, Nikolai Foliaki, Siosifa Amone (Waratahs), Henry O’Donnell (Waratahs)
2024 squad:
Props: Atu Moli, Santiago Medrano, Angus Wagner, Harry Hoopert, Marley Pearce, Charles Hancock, Siosifa Amone
Hookers: Tom Horton, Feleti Kaitu’u
Locks: Izack Rodda, Jeremy Williams, Felix Kalapu, Lopeti Faifua
Loose forwards: Michael Wells, Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan, Carlo Tizzano, Jackson Pugh, Will Harris, Papillon Sevele
Halfbacks: Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Nic White, Ian Prior
Fly-halves: Reesjan Pasitoa, Max Burey, Campbell Parata
Midfielders: Sam Spink, Hamish Stewart, Henry O’Donnell, Bayley Kuenzle, Nikolai Foliaki, Ollie Cummins
Outside backs: Ben Donaldson, Harry Potter, Chase Tiatia, George Poolman
Blues
Ins: Beauden Barrett (Toyota Verblitz)
Outs: Soane Vikena (Highlanders), Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders), Akira Ioane (Japan TBC), Rob Rush, Corey Evans,
2024 squad:
Props: Joshua Fusitua, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, PJ Sheck, Angus Ta’avao, Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Hookers: Kurt Eklund, Ricky Riccitelli, Soane Vikena
Locks: Josh Beehre, Sam Darry, Laghlan McWhannell, James Thompson, Patrick Tuipulotu
Loose forwards: Adrian Choat, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Rob Rush, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Cameron Suafoa
Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki
First-fives: Stephen Perofeta, Lucas Cashmore
Midfielders: Corey Evans, Rieko Ioane, Bryce Heem, Meihana Grindlay, Harry Plummer
Outside backs: Kade Banks, Caleb Clarke, Cole Forbes, AJ Lam, Zarn Sullivan, Caleb Tangitau, Mark Telea
Chiefs
Ins: Leroy Carter (NZ Sevens), Josh Jacomb (promoted)
Outs: Josh Ioane (Connacht)
2024 squad:
Props: Sione Ahio, George Dyer, Kauvaka Kaivelata, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Jared Proffit, Aidan Ross
Hookers: Bradley Slater, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tyrone Thompson
Locks: Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Tupou Vaa’i, Jimmy Tupou
Loose forwards: Kaylum Boshier, Samipeni Finau, Tom Florence, Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi, Malachi Wrampling-Alec
Halfbacks: Cortez Ratima, Xavier Roe, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
Fly-halves: Josh Ioane, Damian McKenzie, Kaleb Trask
Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Rameka Poihipi, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Gideon Wrampling
Outside backs: Liam Coombes-Fabling, Peniasi Malimali, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Crusaders
Ins:
Outs: Zach Gallagher (Hurricanes), Fergus Burke (Saracens), Quentin MacDonald (Tasman), Jone Rova (Canterbury), Leigh Halfpenny (Harlequins)
2024 squad:
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Brodie McAlister, George Bell, Ioane Moananu
Props: Joe Moody, Finlay Brewis, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell
Locks: Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Tahlor Cahill, Zach Gallagher, Jamie Hannah
Loose forwards: Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Corey Kellow, Dominic Gardiner
Halfbacks: Noah Hotham, Mitchell Drummond, Willi Heinz
First fives: Fergus Burke, Taha Kemara, Rivez Reihana
Midfielders: David Havili, Dallas McLeod, Levi Aumua, Ryan Crotty, Jone Rova
Outside backs: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Macca Springer, Manasa Mataele, Chay Fihaki, Leigh Halfpenny, Heremaia Murray
Fijian Drua
Ins: Inia Tabuavou (Racing 92), Peni Ravai (Reds), Joseva Tamani (Colomiers),
Outs:
2024 squad:
Props: Emosi Tuqiri, Haereti Hetet, Livai Natave, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Doge, Meli Tuni
Hookers: Mesulame Dolokoto, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama
Locks: Etonia Waqa, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Sailosi Vukalokalo, Te Cirikidaveta
Loose forwards: Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi, Motikiai Murray, Vilive Miramira
Halfbacks: Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Philip Baselala, Simione Kuruvoli
Fly-halves: Kemu Valentini, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Isikeli Rabitu, Caleb Muntz
Midfielders: Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Michael Naitokani, Waqa Nalaga
Outside backs: Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, Taniela Rakuro, Epeli Momo
Utility: Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
Highlanders
Ins: Finn Hurley (promoted), Soane Vikena (Blues), Caleb Tangitau (Blues), Veveni Lasaqa (Hurricanes)
Outs: Jermaine Ainsley (Lyon), Pari Pari Parkinson (Green Rockets), Billy Harmon (Canon Eagles), Rhys Patchell (Green Rockets), Josh Timu (Otago), Martin Bodago (Oyonnax), Connor Garden-Bachop (deceased)
2024 squad:
Props: Jermaine Ainsley, Ethan de Groot, Luca Inch, Ayden Johnstone, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u
Hookers: Henry Bell, Ricky Jackson, Jack Taylor
Locks: Mitchell Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Pari Pari Parkinson, Will Tucker
Loose forwards: Nikora Broughton, Oliver Haig, Billy Harmon, Max Hicks, Hayden Michaels, Hugh Renton, Tom Sanders, Sean Withy
Halfbacks: James Arscott, Folau Fakatava, Nathan Hastie
Fly-halves: Ajay Faleafaga, Cameron Millar, Rhys Patchell
Midfielders: Jake Te Hiwi, Tanielu Tele’a, Josh Timu, Matt Whaanga
Outside backs: Martin Bogado, Connor Garden-Bachop, Sam Gilbert, Jonah Lowe, Jona Nareki, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai
Hurricanes
Ins: Tom Allen (promoted), Jordi VIljoen (promoted), Zach Gallagher (Crusaders), TK Howden (Manawatu)
Outs: TJ Perenara (Black Rams Tokyo), Justin Sangster (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Josh Moorby (Montpellier), Aidan Morgan (Ulster), Veveni Lasaqa (Highlanders), Jordie Barrett (Leinster), Salesi Rayasi (Vannes), Ben Grant (Waratahs)
2024 squad:
Props: Siale Lauaki, Tyrel Lomax, Tevita Mafileo, Xavier Numia, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi
Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Jacob Devery, James O’Reilly
Locks: Caleb Delany, Ben Grant, Justin Sangster, Josh Taula, James Tucker, Isaia Walker-Leawere
Loose forwards: Devan Flanders, TK Howden, Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Brad Shields
Halfbacks: Richard Judd, TJ Perenara, Cam Roigard
Fly-halves: Brett Cameron, Aidan Morgan
Midfield: Jordie Barrett, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen
Outside backs: Harry Godfrey, Ruben Love, Josh Moorby, Kini Naholo, Ngatungane Punivai, Salesi Rayasi, Daniel Sinkinson
Moana Pasifika
The big signing is the addition of All Blacks super star Ardie Savea who should give the team a massive boost. They also added former Rebels and Hurricanes flyhalf Jackson Garden-Bachop who arrives after a season in France.
Ins: Ardie Savea (Kobe Steelers), Melani Matavao (promoted), Tuna Tuitama (promoted), Patrick Pellegrini (Coventry), Jackson Garden-Bachop (CA Brive).
Outs: Sekope Kepu (retired), Tevita Langi (North Harbour), Solomone Funaki (Dragons RFC), Henry Taefu (Red Hurricanes), Anzelo Tuitavuki (Colomiers)
2024 squad:
Props: Abraham Pole, Donald Brighthouse, James Lay, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Suetena Asomua.
Hookers: Samiueka Moli, Sama Malolo, Tomasi Maka.
Locks: Irie Papuni, Ofa Tauatevalu, Samuel Slade, Tom Savage, Viliami Napa’a.
Loose forwards: Alamanda Motuga, Lotu Inisi, Miracle Faiilagi, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Paea, Sione Havili Talitui, Solomone Funaki.
Halfbacks: Aisea Halo, Ereatara Enari, Jonathan Taumateine.
Fly-halves: Christian Lealiifano, William Havili.
Midfielders: D’Angelo Leuila, Fine Inisi, Henry Taefu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Pepesana Patafilo.
Outside backs: Anzelo Tuitavuki, Danny Toala, Julian Savea, Neria Fomai, Nigel Ah Wong, Otumaka Mausia, Viliami Fine.
The Rebels exits
Lachie Anderson (Reds), Josh Canham (Reds), Filipo Daugunu (Reds), Vaiolini Ekuasi (Force), Pone Fa’amausili (TBC), David Feliaui (Brumbies), Matt Gibbon (Reds), Carter Gordon (NRL), Isaac Kailea (Waratahs), Andrew Kellaway (Waratahs), Josh Kemeny (Northampton), Darby Lancaster (Waratahs), Rob Leota (Waratahs), Ryan Louwrens (Montpellier), Alex Mafi (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jack Maunder (Agen), Divad Palu (Force), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Reds), Angelo Smith (Waratahs), Sam Talakai (Glasgow), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Brumbies), Taniela Tupou (Waratahs), Jordan Uelese (Montpellier), Ethan Dobbins (Waratahs), Leafi Talataina (Waratahs).